(December 1, 2003) A California Chamber-led coalition has launched a website to make clear that the true intent of Proposition 56, the “blank check initiative” is to make it easier to raise taxes.
The website at www.noblankchecks.com highlights the campaign theme, “No on the Blank Check Initiative.”
Proposition 56 on the March 2004 ballot reduces the legislative vote requirement to raise taxes. This central provision of the initiative would make it significantly easier to raise taxes, but is deceptively wrapped in popular ideas, such as punishing legislators for a late budget, as a diversion aimed at gaining public support.
“Our opposition needs to have a laser-like focus so voters clearly understand that this initiative threatens to raise taxes for every single Californian,” said Chamber President Allan Zaremberg. “The real goal of Proposition 56 is to make increasing taxes significantly easier by eliminating the two-thirds vote requirement.”
The California Taxpayers’ Association (Cal-Tax) says that Californians pay $130 billion in regular state and local taxes every year, an amount that is more than enough to fund California priorities – quality schools, public safety, highways and safety net programs for the poor. This year, Cal-Tax reports, the Legislature proposed tax and fee increases totaling more than $65 billion, many of which could have passed easily if fewer votes were needed.
The Chamber is a leader of Californians Against Higher Taxes, a broad and diverse coalition opposing the Blank Check Initiative. Other members include Cal-Tax, The Seniors Coalition, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, California Independent Grocers Association, American Electronics Association, California Farm Bureau Federation, California Space Authority, California Manufacturers and Technology Association, Citizens Against Government Waste, California Women for Agriculture, California Lodging Industry Association, California Restaurant Association, California Travel Parks Association, Nisei Farmers League, Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Survival Committee, among others.
View Proposition 56 text, an analysis of the measures potential costs to taxpayers, sample letters to the editor against Proposition 56, information about joining the coalition, and more resources from the “No on the Blank Check Initiative” campaign at: www.noblankchecks.com.
Staff Contact: Sara Lee